Local retiree and volunteer Bill Stillman is seeking fellow Rutland residents to support him in his campaign to promote and provoke 'better service' from Office of the Public Guardian following his experience with the Government body.

Bill Stillman, 66, has been a resident in Rutland for over 37 years and is now semi-retired, remaining active as a volunteer for local charities, assisting with fundraising and PR.

Bill's mother, Anita, is now 90 years old and due to health issues, she moved from London to Oakham in February this year so that she could receive care from her son and family.

Bill's cousin, a solicitor who lives in London, offered to help with setting up Power of Attorney for Anita and made the necessary applications to the Office of the Public Guardian.

Anita's application was made in March 2022 and there began a series of e- mails and delays which Bill claims "have still not been resolved today" December 2022.

Bill said: "The OPG website clearly states that applicants will receive a response within 10 working days and e- mails received from their office confirm this."

Government statistics confirm and corroborate Bill's experience – the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) is experiencing significant delays in registering Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs).

According to statistics, 1.2% of LPAs took over 12 weeks to be registered in 2019-20. This rose to 33.8% in 2020-21 and 74.3% in 2021-22. This year, 99% of LPAs registered have taken more than 12 weeks.

Bill added that he has "now taken the matter up directly with the OPG after consulting Citizens Advise and following the advice on the OPG website – Official Complaint – Contact the Ombudsman and your local MP."

Rutland MP Alicia Kearns has offered to chase up a response to Bill's complaint with the OPG.

Due to Bill's involvement with local charities, he has met other local residents who have had similar experiences and is now actively involved in forming a local group to campaign for a better service.

Bill is urging local residents to get in touch if they "have had similar experiences or have been let down by the OPG delays."

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